India’s ‘Chicken Neck’—the Siliguri Corridor—is one of the most strategically vulnerable regions in the country. This narrow strip of land, just about 22 kilometers wide at its slimmest point, connects the rest of India to its northeastern states. Flanked by China to the north, Nepal to the west, Bhutan in between, and Bangladesh to the south, this bottleneck is India’s Achilles’ heel. Any disruption in this corridor could effectively cut off the entire northeastern region, posing an existential threat to India’s territorial integrity. The growing China-Pakistan axis and its strategic maneuvers in South Asia have only intensified concerns regarding the security of this crucial passage.
Why is the Chicken Neck Corridor So Important?
The Siliguri Corridor is not just a geographical inconvenience; it is a geopolitical flashpoint. This strip of land is the only terrestrial link between the rest of India and the seven northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Given the region’s rich natural resources, cultural diversity, and economic significance, safeguarding this corridor is paramount.
If adversaries—especially China—manage to sever this connection in a conflict scenario, India’s ability to mobilize troops and supplies to its northeastern states would be severely hampered. With the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) consistently encroaching along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Pakistan’s increasing alignment with Beijing, the security of the Chicken Neck Corridor has never been more precarious.
The China-Pakistan Threat: A Two-Front Challenge
China has been aggressively expanding its influence in South Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), investing heavily in infrastructure projects across Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship BRI project, directly challenges India’s strategic interests.
Pakistan’s renewed aggression, coupled with China’s economic and military investments in South Asia, has put India in a precarious situation. If hostilities break out on two fronts—Pakistan in the west and China in the north—India’s ability to secure the Siliguri Corridor could be severely compromised. Additionally, China’s deepening influence in Nepal and Bangladesh could further squeeze India’s strategic space.
Can India Expand the Chicken Neck Corridor?
The question remains: can India counter this growing encirclement by expanding and securing the Chicken Neck Corridor? The answer is both complex and urgent.
1. Infrastructure Development
India has been ramping up infrastructure projects in the region, from widening highways to expanding railway networks. The Bogibeel Bridge, India’s longest rail-road bridge, is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The proposed North East Industrial Corridor could strengthen economic ties and improve connectivity, reducing the dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor.
2. Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
India must proactively engage with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh to ensure that no hostile power gains undue influence in the region. Bangladesh, for instance, has been a reliable partner in counter-insurgency operations. Strengthening ties with Nepal and preventing it from falling entirely into China’s orbit is crucial for India’s strategic depth.
3. Military Preparedness
The Indian Armed Forces have already increased their presence in the Siliguri Corridor, deploying additional troops and conducting regular military exercises. The newly raised Mountain Strike Corps is specifically trained to counter Chinese aggression in high-altitude warfare. However, in a potential conflict scenario, India must be prepared for hybrid warfare, including cyber threats and economic coercion.
The Road Ahead: Securing India’s Lifeline
The security of the Chicken Neck Corridor is no longer just a regional concern; it is a national imperative. While India has taken significant steps to bolster its defenses and infrastructure in the northeast, the growing China-Pakistan nexus demands a more robust and proactive approach.
Expanding the corridor is not just about building roads and bridges—it’s about securing India’s sovereignty in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. The question is no longer whether India can afford to fortify the Siliguri Corridor, but whether it can afford not to.